COLOMBO, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Sri Lankan police were squabbling on Tuesday with a local fire brigade over the cost of fighting a blaze at a fireworks factory after an explosion that killed three people.

"Almost one hour after the blast...we are having some difficulty getting a fire brigade," said Raja Weerakoon, Senior Superintendent of Police in the Kimbulapitiya area where the factory was located about 35 km (21 miles) north of Colombo.

The fire occurred at about 0715 GMT.

Weerakoon said two people were injured in the blast at the factory, a small domestic enterprise.

He said the fire brigade at the nearby Gampaha town was demanding 10,000 rupees ($116) to fight a fire outside their municipal area.

"I don’t think we can afford that," said Weerakoon, adding "the fire may have even gone out by now."

He said the fire brigade at a nearby free trade zone which was closest to the factory was "out of order".